President Bea Bruske available to speak about Canada’s unions’ priorities for new Parliament
November 19, 2021
With Parliament set to return – amidst rising inflation, stretching family budgets and an uneven economic recovery – Canada’s unions are focused on making sure MPs are ready to get to work on policies that put workers and their families at the heart of Canada’s recovery plans. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, is available to speak to…
New cabinet must get to work on building an inclusive and equitable recovery
October 26, 2021
OTTAWA—Bea Bruske released the following statement about the new federal cabinet: “With women so disproportionately impacted by the economic crisis that accompanied the pandemic, it is not enough that Mr. Trudeau appoints a cabinet based on gender parity. The new cabinet must take concrete action to address the significant setbacks to women’s labour force participation over the last 18 months.…
Canadian Labour Congress’ President Bea Bruske available to speak about emergency benefits
October 21, 2021
OTTAWA – President Bea Bruske is available to speak to media today on the urgent need for extending emergency supports to workers affected by the pandemic. EI applications have risen while the Delta variant continues to affect hotspots across the country and supply chains continue to be disrupted. This means it is crucial for the government to immediately extend emergency…
Bruske meets Deputy Prime Minister Freeland to discuss help for workers
October 18, 2021
OTTAWA—Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, held a constructive meeting today about the challenges working people are still facing as Canada starts on the long road to an economic recovery. “I want to thank Minister Freeland for a positive discussion. Her government has extended vital support throughout the pandemic…
As clock ticks down, Canada’s unions demand government chooses help for people
October 13, 2021
OTTAWA—Canada’s unions are urging the federal government to extend emergency benefits to help workers and their families still struggling through the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada’s recent Labour Force Survey showed that nearly one and a half million people are still looking for work and total hours worked still lag well below pre-pandemic levels. “Behind the headlines, the…
Status quo parliament must not return to the status quo
September 21, 2021
Parliament must get to work on key issues facing workers OTTAWA – Canada’s unions congratulate Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party on their re-election and offer to work with the government and Parliamentarians from all parties on building a pandemic recovery that addresses the critical challenges facing workers and their families. “Canadians have spoken, and their message is clear: it’s…
Conservative O’Toole would mean low-wage recovery that leaves workers behind
September 15, 2021
Service workers see average wages rise paltry 59 cents during the pandemic, less than a bag of potatoes has gone up Sales and service workers have seen wages rise only 59 cents on average – less than price a bag of potatoes has gone up – since the pandemic struck. There are still nearly 300,000 more unemployed than in February…
Hidden in Conservative platform: An attack on public pensions and EI
August 19, 2021
Conservatives would relegate gig workers to second-class citizens in Canada’s workforce OTTAWA – Hidden in Erin O’Toole’s Conservative policy platform is a kick in the teeth for the retirement and job security of gig workers. “Conservatives have a policy plan that includes a blatant attack on public pensions. They would permanently relegate gig workers to second-class status in Canada’s workforce,”…
Canada’s unions release detailed analysis of Budget 2021
April 30, 2021
On April 19, 2021 the federal government announced its first budget in two years. More than 12 months into a global pandemic and the accompanying economic shock, and in the midst of a devastating third wave of infections in Canada, this budget comes at a crucial time. The pandemic has forced Canadians to confront stark realities and profound shortcomings in our…
The Canadian Labour Congress and provincial and territorial federations of labour find Uber’s self serving proposal for Flexible Work+ dangerous, undermining and offensive to the rights and dignity of workers. The plan, rolled out over the past few weeks, signals the companies’ intention to pressure governments to invent a niche category for app-based employment. Like Proposition 22 in California, Uber…